35. Rewind

I wanted to rewind this night, and my life. Part of me wished I never did what I did, that I never met Alec, so I never had to agree to any of this. But I guess it’s true what they say, about there being a price for everything you do.

My life was my price.

“Was the part about that man being your boyfriend true?” Cari asked.

I looked at her. I wanted to cry because of what I did to her. Instead, I just nodded. “He was my life. When he died, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

“Alec found you,” Clay said softly. He nodded. “I understand now.”

“What is it?” Lena asked.

Despite the roaring blast of air around us, I began to sweat. My heart pounded so loud I could hear it in my ears. Then he said what I knew he would.

“You killed him.”

I flinched, like Clay physically slapped me, but nodded. Around me, the three let out slow, rattled breaths.